Thriving Moms

Katherine Stewart

Thriving Moms shares honest conversations with women navigating motherhood, business, relationships, health, faith, and personal growth. Hosted by Katherine Stewart, every episode is a reminder that you're not alone and every mom has a story worth sharing.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Burnout, Divorce, and Starting Over - Diana's Story

    "When a woman gives too much for too long… the only option is to find yourself again." 💛 💛 A note before you watch: this conversation includes honest talk about divorce, grief, burnout and a very hard season. Take care of yourself as you listen. In this episode, Katherine sits down with Diana, a mom of five and the editor of Lagniappe magazine in Southwest Louisiana. It's their third conversation. Diana shares what burnout really looked like, how the end of her 15-year marriage changed her, and what she'd tell anyone going through a hard season. IN THIS EPISODE • Why so many women lose themselves in motherhood • Burnout: what it looks like when you give too much for too long • Why Diana doesn't see divorce as failure • Letting go of people-pleasing and outside validation • Balancing what's best for you with what's best for your kids • Losing community and friendships after a divorce • Facing the shame of being called "selfish" • Advice for a tough season: be patient with yourself, get quiet, and assume the best of others CHAPTERS 0:00 When a woman gives too much 0:19 Meet Diana 1:55 Not losing yourself in motherhood 3:32 Burnout 4:58 Divorce isn't failure 6:17 How it changed her 7:23 Outside validation 10:52 You vs. your kids 14:25 Losing community 19:53 Shame and the "selfish" label 25:08 Advice for a tough time 31:35 Legacy and closing thoughts If this episode spoke to you, like, subscribe and share it with someone in a hard season. We'd love to hear your story in the comments. 💬

  2. Oct 27

    Raising Kids With Special Needs: A Mom's Spina Bifida Journey & Families For Inclusion

    What happens when a diagnosis changes everything and a mom decides to change her whole community? 💛In this episode, Katherine Stewart sits down with Julia Bourgeois, a mom of three, accountant and nonprofit co-founder. They start with postpartum recovery and life with a newborn, then move to her oldest son's spina bifida journey and the advocacy that grew out of it. In this episode:• Postpartum is more than six to eight weeks, and being a mom of three • Finding out about spina bifida late in pregnancy, relocating to Houston, and the NICU • Hydrocephalus, a shunt, scoliosis surgery, and ARFID (a feeding disorder) in daily life • Starting Families for Inclusion in Southwest Louisiana: inclusive play, inclusive education and an inclusive community • The B and G Hope Grant for local therapists • Connections Day: bringing special needs families together • Why folic acid matters before and during early pregnancy (not medical advice, so talk to your doctor) Connections Day: Saturday, November 7, 10 AM–1 PM, Lake Charles Civic Center This one focuses on seizure awareness for Epilepsy Awareness Month. Links:🌐 Families for Inclusion website: https://www.ffi-swla.com/ 📘 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F7AcdbcRC/?mibextid=wwXIfr Get involved: If you have a child with a disability and want resources or to connect with other families, message Families for Inclusion on Facebook or through their website. If you're a local therapist, check out the grant. If this episode meant something to you, like, subscribe and share it with a mom who needs it.

  3. Oct 21

    How Homeschooling Gave Her More Time, Not More Pressure - Malia's Story

    Mom guilt, burnout, and the school decision that quietly changes everything - Katherine and Malia get brutally honest about what it really feels like to try to do it all. If you are a mom lying awake replaying the day, wondering whether you did enough, this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way.Katherine opens up about the tiny, ridiculous, completely overwhelming moments that can send a mom spiraling - forgetting school projects, missing daycare lunch, and turning a simple pumpkin assignment into a whole-night DIY rescue mission. Malia meets her there with the same truth every working parent recognizes: the pressure is rarely about the pumpkin. It is about the constant feeling that something, somewhere, is slipping.You will hear Katherine and Malia break down: Why moms make everyday mistakes feel like personal failuresThe difference between being busy and being presentHow to say "I am sorry" to your kids without losing authorityWhy grace matters more than perfection in marriage, motherhood, and parentingHow one family is navigating a hybrid homeschooling model that blends structure, flexibility, and sanityMalia walks through what homeschooling actually looks like in real life - co-ops, academy days, flexible schedules, hands-on learning, and why the best setup is the one that fits your family, not someone else’s expectations. She explains how the freedom helps her protect time, reduce the daily rush, and stay connected to her kids in a way that feels sustainable.This episode is for every mom who has ever felt torn between work, home, school, identity, and the impossible standard of being everywhere at once. If you need permission to stop measuring yourself by the mess, the missed lunch, or the half-finished assignment, press play. You may walk away with exactly what both Katherine and Malia are practicing: a little more grace, a little less guilt, and a better way to define what actually matters.

  4. Oct 12

    From Chemical Engineer to Top Realtor: Erica's Pivot to a More Present Life

    This conversation follows Erica’s path from chemical engineering and plant operations into real estate, and why the shift was about more than career growth. It’s a practical and personal look at flexibility, motherhood, systems, and the emotional weight of choosing presence over prestige.Erica shares how her engineering background still shapes how she works today, from problem solving to building processes for her team. She also opens up about family, grief, and the perspective shift that made her leave a demanding job behind.Key topicsErica shares how she spent 15 years in chemical engineering and operations management before moving into real estate.In this episode, she explains that a conversation with a real estate agent friend first planted the idea that she could do something different.She talks about leaving a plant role where she managed about 150 employees across five units and constantly felt late, rushed, and on call.Erica describes the difference between rigid plant schedules and real estate flexibility, especially being able to plan around school events, early dismissal, and her children’s activities.She shares the guilt she felt missing birthdays, holidays, and even her husband’s surprise party while working long hours.We discuss how motherhood changed her priorities and made her realize her kids needed a present mom more than more money or status.Erica explains how her husband Chad encouraged the transition and later joined her professionally when a mutual connection introduced them.She breaks down how her engineering mindset now helps her build systems, processes, and consistent client service on their real estate team.She talks through how she helps buyers and sellers make data-based decisions, including interest rates, equity, downsizing, and projected net proceeds.Erica opens up about her father’s mental illness and suicide, and how that experience shaped her openness, advocacy, and focus on legacy and presence. Notable quotes“My kids just need a present mom.”“The numbers always have to make sense.”“My only regret is not doing it sooner.”

  5. Oct 6

    How A Full Time Artist Built Her Dream After Leaving OT - Danielle Faulk's Story

    How a Full-Time Artist Built Her Dream After Leaving OT Danielle Nester Faulk opens up about the real cost of chasing achievement, navigating motherhood with three children, and making the leap from occupational therapist to full-time artist.After seven years working as an occupational therapist, Danielle built her art business on the side before going all in. She shares what it took to turn commissions and creative ideas into a business—and why the polished image of a “dream job” doesn’t always show the hustle behind it.In this honest conversation, Danielle also talks about pregnancy loss, welcoming her “miracle baby,” and how those experiences changed her perspective on family and gratitude. She reflects on mom guilt, balancing work and home life, and learning that her worth isn’t defined by her accomplishments.If you’re a mom, creative, or anyone wondering whether it’s too late to pursue a different path, Danielle’s story is a reminder that you can start again and build a life around what matters to you. Danielle's Website Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: E8FBXB27UOKUB822, RKOVS8H7XAORQWD2

  6. Sep 30

    What a Mom Of Four Learned After Her Daughter's Dyslexia Diagnosis

    Sara shares the reality of parenting, work, and navigating dyslexia. The heart of the episode is her story about realizing her daughter Frankie was dyslexic, getting a private evaluation, and learning how diagnosis changes both school support and parenting. We discuss the pressures of motherhood, how Sara stays consistent with workouts and family logistics, and why advocacy and early intervention matter so much when a child is struggling.

  7. Sep 24

    How A Mom Started a Thriving Embroidery Business Between Work And Toddlers - Harlie Romero

    What happens when the life you’re building looks nothing like the childhood you survived? Harlie Romero shares the honest, funny, and deeply moving reality of raising two young children, working as an occupational therapist, and growing a thriving embroidery business from her kids’ playroom.

  • 7 Episodes

About

Thriving Moms shares honest conversations with women navigating motherhood, business, relationships, health, faith, and personal growth. Hosted by Katherine Stewart, every episode is a reminder that you're not alone and every mom has a story worth sharing.

Information

  • Creator
    Katherine Stewart
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Katherine Stewart
  • Show Website
    Thriving Moms

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